windlass - can any electric ones be used manually ?

[edante]

Hi,
I'm thinking about fitting a windlass to my 27' boat. Do any of the electric horizontal windlasses have an option to use as manual only in the event of power problems ?

Ideally I'd like one which i could use manually until I get the electrics sorted out.

Prefer horizontal windlass 'cause i believe they are easier to operate manually.

I've had a bit of a look round and it seems either electric or manual - not both.

Anyone know different ?

thanks
Jeff

 

[powerskipper]

All electric windlass have a manual Handel encase of power failure, but be warned it is very heavy on manual.

 

[3reefs]

Not quite answering the question as I looked at "vertical" windlass to cut down the bulk above deck. The Lewmar was VERY heavy to turn with a winch handle because you have to turn the motor over as you winch. The Lofrans "freewheels" as you winch, so "only" pulling the anchor and cable (long winch handle).

However the Lofrans manual winch with "horizontal" spindle has a nice easy reciprocating action when raising the cable. Not sure how the motorised version compares.

 

[charles_reed]

I know of no electric windlasses that do not have a manual alternative. Most, unfortunately, don't have a clutch to disengage the motor which makes manual recovery questionable.

Unless, like me, you are of advanced years and intend to anchor frequently (100/120 times a year) I'd suggest an electric windlass on 8mm chain an unneccessary complication.

You can, of course, get a number of purely manual winches.

Even with a 700 watt winch you'll need 25mm cross-section wire and about 120 amp/hours of battery, with an alternator of at least 50 amp output.

 

[Ships_Cat]

Many, but not all, can be operated manually but it is only meant as a backup in case of motor or other failure so is hard work.

Because it is only meant as a backup, windlass sizes for smaller boats where it is considered possible to manhandle the anchor up in case of failure, frequently DO NOT have a manual method of operation. The smaller horizontal Lewmar and Maxwell ones being just a couple of examples that do not have a manual method of retrieving the anchor.

John

 

[edante]

thanks for all replies. having thought about it manual seems the best bet for me. Reading previous posts the wiring and installation for an electric one looks awkward as well.
I was only considering electric because i'm often single handed - its sometimes awkard controlling the boat and stowing the anchor at the same time.
cheers
Jeff

 

[rwoofer]

I also wondered whether to go manual or electric. Although I think they are a great boon, the thought of the massive cross-section cable that I would need to go from the batteries (at the back of the boat) 40 foot to the windlass, put me off so I replaced my manual with another manual.

Having done a lot of anchoring this year on my 11 tonne boat, I can't really say that I have really felt that I should have upgraded to electric. Sure it takes longer, but at most it adds an extra five minutes to the hauling up time. You also have the benefit of feeling the tension in the cable when you foul something.

I am however youngish and fit, which maybe is why I don't have a problem.

 

[jleaworthy]

I think a lot depends on the depth of water where you expect to anchor. In shallow water where there is little wind or tide you can pull the anchor in more quickly by hand than either a power or manual windlass. In deep water it's a very different matter - twenty metres of 8mm chain hanging vertically to the bottom is very heavy and if you've 60 metres of chain out it all takes a very long time! In my experience there is no comparison between a manual and power windlass - power every time. My vertical Lofrans Aeron can be wound quite easily manually. It is slow , but not as slow as the reciprocating motion on a horizontal job.
By the way, installation is not all that difficult. I managed mine single handed with the boat out on a swinging mooring. A very good battery drill is essential and providing you have a good alternator output (mine is 50 amp) with some careful planning you should be OK.